Free The Greek's Long-Lost Son by Rebecca Winters Page B

came in the next morning, she told him they were leaving. He whooped it up before running to tell Dax to get his stuff together.
    Stella packed quickly before going down to Stasio’s study. He usually checked in with his secretary in the early mornings, even when he was on vacation. Like Theo, he was tall with arresting male features. There wasn’t a mean bone in his body.
    “Knock, knock.”
    “Stella? We missed you last night. Come on in.”
    “I’m just peeking in to say goodbye for now. Let’s hope Rachel’s morning sickness improves.”
    He frowned. “Bad as it is, I’m more concerned about you at the moment. Tell me what’s wrong.”
    “Nothing specific.” She hated lying to him, but she wasn’t ready to talk about Theo yet. “Ari and Dax are restless. At home they have more friends their own age to do things with.”
    He studied her through veiled eyes. “You’re not telling the truth, but that’s your privilege. I’ve seen a marked difference in both of you since you arrived. Just remember, I’m here if you need me.”
    Her brother had radar. “I’ve always known that and I love you for it. Tell Rachel I’ll call her later today after I’m back at the house. Say goodbye to Nikos and Renate for me, too.”
    Stasio came around his desk and gave her a big hug. “I’ll walk you to the car.”
    The boys were already strapped in. It was so unusual for Ari not to seek his uncle out first, Stasio had to know something of great significance was going on.
    “See you later, Uncle Stasi. Thanks for a great time.”
    “I had fun, too. Thanks a lot,” Dax said.
    “You come again, anytime you like.” He gave Ari a hug.
    Stella started the car and they took off for the port of Gavrion to catch the ferry.
    No sooner had they driven onboard and walked to the promenade deck than a steward approached Stella.
    “You are Despinis Athas?”
    “Yes?”
    “Your room is ready for you.”
    She blinked. “I didn’t reserve one.” Depending on weather and wind conditions to Rafina, the cruise only took two to three hours.
    He gave her a knowing smile. “Someone else did. This way please.”
    “Come on, boys. Someone has planned a surprise for us.” The blood hammered in her ears. She could only think of one person.
    They followed the steward down to the next deck. He led them around a passageway to a row of cabins and opened the third one for her. Stella gasped when she walked in and saw two dozen long-stemmed red roses in a vase on the nightstand between two double beds.
    To one side was a table and chairs. She spied a bowl of fruit, another filled with candy and cookies, and half a dozen cans of various juices.
    “Are these for us? ” Ari cried in delight.
    “Who else would they be for?” sounded a deep, familiar male voice.
    Stella spun around. “Theo—”
    “Papa!” Ari ran to hug him. “We didn’t know you were coming with us!”
    Theo’s black eyes found Stella’s. They were so alive she could feel his energy. “Work can wait. I decided I wanted to join in the fun.”
    “Goody!” their son cried while Dax beamed and began loading up on candy.
    Stella was happier to see him than she’d thought possible. “The flowers are gorgeous.”
    He came all the way inside and shut the door before leaning against it with his arms folded. In a tan sport shirt and white shorts, he looked incredible. “Remember the time we took a ferry to Poros? It was so crowded we had to stand the whole way against the railing at the back? I only had one red rose to offer you. In those days I was so poor, I could only afford to give you token presents.”
    Stella cherished any little thing he ever did for her. “I still have it,” she half whispered. “It’s pressed in the big dictionary I keep on my bookshelf at home.”
    “I’ve seen that,” Ari commented. “I didn’t know Daddy gave it to you.”
    Theo’s white smile turned her heart over. “Your mother and I liked to give each other little gifts. I